(CNN) - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign."

"I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Sen. Barack Obama," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Powell said he was concerned about what he characterized as a recent negative turn of Republican candidate Sen. John McCain's campaign, such as the campaign's attempts to tie Obama to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.

Powell, a retired U.S. general and a Republican, was once seen as a possible presidential candidate himself.

What a surprise.!! This is the same phony that told the American people we should go to war!! b.s.

October 19, 2008 11:01 am at 11:01 am |

rightsaid

Thoughtful comments from a thoughtful man.

I hope he becomes part of the Obama administration.

That One '08!

October 19, 2008 11:02 am at 11:02 am |

Bill, N.M.

Yea baby, anyone ignorant enough to put Palin second in command to a 72 year old who has had melonoma removed 4 times is nuts, and everyone should be afraid of that scenerio.

October 19, 2008 11:02 am at 11:02 am |

Travis

THAT A FELLA COLIN........your words are worth MILLIONS... THANKS

October 19, 2008 11:03 am at 11:03 am |

Sybille Wehrli

Too little too late don't you think? Frankly it doesn't make a real difference.
Obama/Biden 08'

October 19, 2008 11:03 am at 11:03 am |

Arielle Yanaba

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 19, 2008 11:04 am at 11:04 am |

Big Dave

wonderful...this is political justice for powell. back in 1999 several southern senators came out against powells run for presidency

October 19, 2008 11:05 am at 11:05 am |

Mia and Mike

Thank you Gen. Colin Powell! We will be voting for the Democratic ticket this election as well.

October 19, 2008 11:06 am at 11:06 am |

Democrat in Colorado Springs

This is an exceptional endorsement – Colin Powell is a man I have long admired and who was manipulated badly by the Bush Administration. He is a man of integrity and he recognizes that trait in Barack Obama. Thank you General Powell!

October 19, 2008 11:06 am at 11:06 am |

Republican for Obama

Smart man!

October 19, 2008 11:06 am at 11:06 am |

M.B. from Berlin

Good choice from a good man of honor.

WTG Barack.
Let Colin stump for ya.

Obama/Biden/Powell in a landslide!

October 19, 2008 11:06 am at 11:06 am |

Marty

Sir, You are absolutely right! Good choice

October 19, 2008 11:06 am at 11:06 am |

Every Wilson

I deeply respect Colin Powell and his unbiased explaination of why he preferred Barack Obama over John Mccain to be president of the United States. I know republicans will spin this to a Black and White polarizing reason for this decision, but Colin Powell gave thoughtful, intelligent and very persuasive reasons for his decision. It is the fault of the republican party and John Mccain's negative strategy and undertones of racism that in pursuing the presidency, that probably caused Colin Powell's break with his party more than his African American Heritage. America and the world is ready for an Barack Obama presidency!

October 19, 2008 11:08 am at 11:08 am |

Reality

i always knew he was one of the good guys, who has the right judgment🙂

OBAMA / BIDEN 2008

October 19, 2008 11:08 am at 11:08 am |

Waitaseccond

Good game, John McCain, but it is all over now. This was the final nail in your coffin.

October 19, 2008 11:09 am at 11:09 am |

catmom

I hope the American people take a moment to listen or read why Colin Powell is endorsing Senator Obama. Mr. Powell summed it up correctly. Obama is full of hope, he is change. He is the future, not the past. Obama has been negative on McCain's policies. He has not attacked McCain or Palin personally.
After listening to John McCain this morning on Fox News Sunday it is clear to me that he is not living in reality. He continues to be negative all the while denying it. He continues to distort what Obama says. He continues to try and dumb down America and seems to be clinging to the past. He continues to use fear and smear. He continues to vilify Democrats and be divisive. After all of this I don't see how McCain will be able to unify the country. He is doing the same thing President Bush has done for the past 7.5 years.

October 19, 2008 11:09 am at 11:09 am |

David

Thank you..you hit the nail on the head.

October 19, 2008 11:09 am at 11:09 am |

MM

A man with sense!

October 19, 2008 11:10 am at 11:10 am |

Real Talk

An intelligent American enorsing another intelligent American who's running for president. Sounds like common sense, and shows that a lifelong military man is comfortable with a Barack Obama Presidency.